balet



(No Model.) 7 SheetsSheet 1.

J. W. BALET.

ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR.

INVENTOR: M345 BY Mm ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. 5, 1889.

WITNESSES:-

N PETERS Fhnm-Luhognpher. Washmglon, DYc.

(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. W. BALET.

. ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR.

No. 398,926. Patented Mar. 5, 1889. FH3.2..

F &3: ENTOR:

BYdalA Mv ATTORNEYS.

*1 PETERS. PhOM-lnhognplmr. Washington. D. c.

(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet 3.

J. W. BALET.

ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR.

INVENTOR:

Patented Mar. 5, 1889.

WITNES'SES: fi w ATTORNEYS.

(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet 4.

J. W. BALET.

ELEGTRIG GURBENT REGULATOR.

No. 398,926. Patented Mar. 5, 1889.

gong

erg-1V, 4.

7 w FIG. 75.

III/I110 ATTORNEYS.

7 Sheets-Sheet 5.

(No Model.)

J. W. BALET. ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR.

INVENTOR: if

WITNESSES: V zfi X L) L I ATTORNEYS.

In". D c.

N. P[TERS. Panmum,

'7 Sheets-Sheet 6.

1 a? J A d U W 2A5 i Jul Wm ATTORNEYS (No Model.)

J. W. BALET. v ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR. No. 398,926.

, LII

WITNESSES:

(No Model.) 7 SheetsSheet 7.

J. W. BALET.

ELECTRIC CURRENT REGULATOR.

I No. 398,926. Patented Mar. 5, 1889.

FIG. 1B.

INVENTOR ATTORNEY R N PETERS. PhutmLllhoynpb cr. WJshmglumDC.

JOSEPH \Y. BALET, OF NEW YORK, N. Y, ASSlGXUl ROBERT DUNLAP AND LUKE F.COZANS, ()F

ELEOTRlC-OURRENT REGULATGR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 398,926, dated March 5,1 889.

Application filed January 27, 1888. Serial No. 262,1 78. (No model."

To aZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J'osEPH Witt- Emits 13.".- Ll1T,a subjectof theKingot' the Netherlands,

at present residing in the city, county, and.

State of New York,have invented a new and Improved Electric Current Reulator, of which the following is a spm-ilication, ret'en forming a partthereof, in which Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the eir'cnit-controller, a side elevation of the cur- Fig. 0 is a Similarletters of rel'erence indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

The object ollll Y invmition is to provide a currcnt-regulator 'lor dvnamos and motors by which the current not used and any surplus ofcurrent: will be sent into 2l(?(llllllll21l.O1S to I be stored forfuture use when the main curencc being had to the annexed drawings,

rent from the dynamo becomes weakened or i ceases altogether, and tocontrol the charging Fig. i

Fig. 5 is a;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged verticalsection of the current-regulator, taken online A B of Fig.8. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the curreut-regulator,taken on a plane at right angles to that of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is alongitudinal section of the circuit-controlling device shown in Fig. 1.Fig. 10 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the switch-actuatingdevices shown in Figs. 3 and a. Fig. 11 is a vertical section of thesame, taken on theline E F in Fig. 10 Fig. 12 shows a plan view, partlyin section, of the switch operating and distributing mechanism, thesection being taken on lines J K in Fig. 11 and L M in Fig. 15. Fig. 13is a plan view of the entire apparatus, showing the relation of theseveral parts. Fig. 1% is a vertical section taken on line G H in Fig.12. Fig. 15 is a vertical sec tion taken on line 5c in Fig. 13. Fig. 16is a plan view of a modified form of the circuit- Fi 19 is a transversesection of a of the seeondanv batteries, so that the charging-curre: tshall cease in a particular battery when the maximum charge is reachedand be returned to the said battery when it is discharged.

My invention also has for its object to provide a regulator for cha gingstorage-batteries by means of an electric current from any source whichwill automatically include a greater or less number of storage-batteriesin the circuit for charging purposes, the number of batteries beingcontrolled by the strength of? the charging-cnrrent, and to providemeansfor cutting storage-batteries out of the main circuit when they havereceived their maxi mum charge.

My object is, further, to provide means for regulating the number ofstorage-batteries included in a circuit, so that the number of chargedstorage-batteries will correspond with the work to be done by thebatteries.

My invention consists in a series of storagebatteries and in acombination of a series of switches under control of the main currentand of the motor driven by the current; also,

in the combination, with the storage-bat teries and current-controllingdevices, of gasactuated switches to be operated by gases generated inthe storage-batteries after the maximum charge is reached; also, in thecombination, with the series of storage-batteries,

the current-controlling devices, and gas-actuated switches, of a switchgoverned by the switches under the control of the main current toprevent the series of storage-batteries from forming a closed circuit.

It also consists in a novel circuit-controller formed of a solenoidcontaining a movable core or armature and a spring arranged to opposethe movement of the core, the arma ture being provided with differentsets of concurrent and arranged to operate the circuit I of theswitching mechanism by the centrifugal action of mercury, the saidregulator be- 1 ing arranged to complete one circuit when the 1 speed ofthe motor is too low, to complete an- 1 other circuitwhen the speed ofthe motor is too high, and to hold the regulating-circnit open when thespeed of the motor is normal.

It also further consists in a novel switchactuatingmechanism in which amovable core makes and breaks the circuit in its magnetment of saidcore, and causing to turn a roller and shaft by friction caused bymagnetic induction between said core and said roller.

. It also further consists in novel switch mechanismop'erated by theswitoh-actuatin g mechanism in which two independent switch-arms are'arranged to touch the same or different centa'ct'ipoints of aswitch-board, thus shiftpurpose of charging or switching thestoragebatteriesalready charged. into the=main circuitto :assist themain current in doing its work.

""It-alsoeonsists in a mercurial circuit ope'rithlllg'dGVlGG formed oftwo communicating vessels, insulated contact-screws entering the saidvessels, a body of mercury contained in the communicating vessels, pipesconnected with the storage-batteries'and with'one of the vessels forconveying gas from the storage- "battery' to the vessel and thuschanging the level of the mercury, so as to shift the electric contacts,and'in the combination,'withone ofthe communicating vesselsyof avalve'and waive-operating mechanism for'releasing the "gas andth'us'restoring'the mercury to its normal position.

It also further consists in an eseapement operated by an electro-magnetwhich is'excited when the switch above mentioned works ithe saidescapement, having a plate with as their mode of operation.

The electrical connections shown in the drawings are intended when avery heavy current is flowing through the main conductor. I do not,however, confine myself to such, for the connections are to be madeaccording to the strength of the current flowing through the mainconductor.

" to the insulating-base A.

' in Fig.

by sparking between the cont-act.

In Figs. 1 and 9 is shown a circuit-controller, which is dependent forits action upon the main current. It'consists of a solenoid, B, providedwith a tubular core, B, to which is fitted a soft-iron armaturem Theends of the tubular core 13 are closed, with the exception of a smallcentral opening, through which project the rods to 1) from the ends ofthe armature A. Surrounding the rod (1, and between the armature A andthe closed end of the tubular core B, there is a spiral spring, B whichopposes the inward movement of the armature A. Opposite the end of therod a is supported a contact-screw, c, by a stand- 'ard, c, secured tothe insulating-support A, izing coil by the vibratory longitudinalmoveand opposite the rod 1) is supported a contact-screw, (Z, by thestandard (1, also secured The terminals 2 3 of the solenoid B areconnected with the main eonductorQi" at 1 and 4:. A branch of theterminal 2 is connectedelectrically by the screw 5 with the core B ofthe solenoid, and

' is thus in electrical comm unieation'with the armature Aand' rods cub.Thestandardsfc d are provi'ded'withbinding-screws '6 7. hen

"the current in the main conductor 24! enerjgizes the solenoid B, sothat the armature: A .is 'heldin equilibrium, as shown in the drawings,no contact is made between'the' rodsa b and'the screws 0 d; but when thecurrent is too strong the armature A is drawn into the solenoid. againstthepressureof the'spring B and causesthe rod a to: make a contact withthe screw c. When the current is tooweak,

the armature A'is' released and the spring B governor, which is operatedby the motor driven by the current from the main conductori t, motorbeing indicated by Z To the motor is secured a frame, D,"containing aspindle, D, carrying at its lower end a pinion, D which is engaged by 'abevel-wheel, D, on the shaft D of the elec tric motor. To the upper endof the spindle D is secured a head, E, to which is attached a hollowcylindrical shell, E, of insulating material, the upper end of the shellbeing 'rabbeted to receivethe metallic ring'H, and

to the rabbet-ed upper edge of the metallic ring is secured aninsulating-ring, H, which supports a cap, G, in the center of which isplaced the contact-screw F. The receptacle thus formed contains a body,F, of mercury, and the space above the 'mercury in the chamber C isfilled wit-h mercurial vapors, which prevent the metal from beingburnedThe in ercurial vapor is generated by heat, the mercury being pouredinto the chamber C while hot through the hole in which the contactscrewF is insulated. After the mercury is poured in and before it cools thescrew -F is inserted and the janrnut on the said screw is tightened,thereby practically sealing The vapor the mercury in the chamber C.

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from the hot mercury drives out all the air, and when most of the vaporhas condensed there is a partial vacuum in the chamber C containingmercury vapor only. To the crossarm H are secured two vertical posts, HH", which are insulated from the cross-arm and are provided withbinding-screws [C m. The posts H H are mortised tranversely at theirupper ends, and the post H supports a brush, '2', IO whichtouches themetallic ring H, and in the mortise of the post H is secured a brush, 7,which touches the metallic cap The frame D is provided with abinding-screw, 72 When the motor is revolving at its normal speed, themercury in the chamber 0 assumes the form indicated by the line 72, andthe circuit remains open; but when the speed of the motor rises abovethe normal the mercury assumes the form indicated by the dotted line '11and establishes communication between the metallic ring H and thespindle D, and when the speed falls below the normal the mercury assumesthe form indicated by the dotted line 91 thus establishing a contactbetween the 2 5 end of the screw F and the spindle D.

111 Figs. 1, 10, and 11 are shown the switchactuating devices, which areexactly alike, the parts being indicated by the same letters ofreference, so that a description of one will answer for all. To thesolenoid I is fitted a movable core or armature, K, provided with therod K, extending through a cap, K and carrying at its upper end a fiatspring, p. To the frame K attached to and extending above the top of thesolenoid, is pivoted a switchlever, 0, which is capable of makingcontact with either of the contact-pieces e f. The lever 0 is providedwith a rectangular projection, g, and with notches g at opposite sidesof the said rectangular projection. The angle of the projection isopposite the pivot g, and when the armature K rises, being magnetized bythe passage of the current through the 3 solenoid I, it causes thespring p to enter one of the notches g and push the lever 0 into contactwith one of the contact-pieces e f. 'When the armature K again rises, itcauses the spring p to engage the other notch and shift the lever o tothe other connection. In

this manner the levero alternates in its movc ment with every upwardstroke of the armature K and makes and breaks the circuit of g thesolenoid l. The armature K is prolonged below the solenoid I, and isflattened for eni gagement with a. roller, ll, of magnetic matei rial,mounted upon the shaft M. \Yhenever the armature K is magnetized by thecurrent passing through the solenoid'I, the said armaf ture is movedupward, and, the roller Ti being 1 6o magnetized by induction from thearmature K, the frictional contact thus established 2 causes the rollerl; to turn whenever engaged by the armature in the manner indicated.Nhile the current passes through either of the solenoidsin Fig.1,thearmature K keeps up a l continual longitudinal vibration, shifting the ilever o alternately from one of its electrical l N, thence to the arm N.

contacts to the other and turning the roller L and shaft M in thedirection indicated by the arrow. (See Fig. l.) When the bar of thecontroller B makes contact with the contactpoint (7, or when the body ofmercury in the centrifugal regulator makes contact with the screw F, andthe current flows through the brush 7 and post H to the contact-screw m,the current enters the coil 1 at 12, and the armature K vibrates. henthe bar a makes c011- tact with the contact-point c of the controller orthe body of mercury in the centrifugal regulator makes contact with thebrush 2', and the current can [low through the post H to the connection7;, the current enters the coil I at S, and the armature K of said coilvibrates. The connections made between the controller, the main current,and the coil 1 and I are shown with dotted lines, and the connectionsbetween the centrifugal regulator, the main current, and the coil 1 andI are shown with solid lines.

The switch operating and distributing mechanism shown in Figs. 12, 14,16, and 17 I is provided with a series of contacts, 2v,which extendthrough the frame of the machine and are arranged to be touched upontheir upper ends by the arm Q and upon their lower ends by the arm N.The arms N Q are placed upon shafts NQ, which are axially in line witheach other, but insulated from each other. The shaft Q is provided withabevelwheel, Q which is engaged by a bevel-pinion, Q on a shaft, Mjournaled in the frame of the machine and extending beyond the saidframe, where it is provided with the iron roller L, which engaged by thearmature K of the solenoid 1 as shown in l and 13. Upon the shaftNQwhichcarries the arm N, is placed a bevtl-whcel, X'flwhich is engagedby abevel-pi nion, N on the shaft M, the sa id shaft extending beyijind theframe of the machine,

where it is provided with two iron rollers, I. L, the roller I, beingengaged by the armature K of the solenoid l, and the rollerl. beingengaged by the armature K of the solenoid I, as shown in Figs. l and12-3.

The arms N Q receive the current from lhe I conductor A through themedium of their shafts, as shown in Figs. 16 and i7. The con- 1 duclorit is connected with the frame, and

the current goes from the frame to the shaft A modification of thisconnection is shown in Fig. 20, in which the conductor 2.4 is connectedwith the shaft N, and the spring-arm N makes contact with the conductor2i and contacts u.

\Vith each contact uis connected a plate, g, which extends radiallyfromthe contact, and upon the radial line of each plate q is journaled ashaft, 2', which carries a toothed l sector, 55, and the switch-arm O,insulated from the sector Each switch-arm O is connected with a spiralspring, T, which is attached to the bar T, forming a conductor for thecurrent from the shaft 1' to the bindingscrew s.

The arm N carries a beveled seetoifR, which cury in the tube 125communicates through a V -ted lines in said figure,) then to the pole s,to

is capable of engaging all the sectors S and of turning them so as tothrow the switch-lever 0 out of contact with the plates q. After thesector R passes one of the sectors S the spring T returns the sector toits normal position, with the switch-lever O in contact with the plateq. This mechanism prevents the storage-batteries from beingshort-circuited or having the circuit closed upon themselves.

I11 the plan of the switch-board of Fig. 1 the connection of thestorage-batteries with the contacts 10 must be continuous or nocontinuous operation of the regulator can be obtained, for when there isa point to start there is a point to finish, and without thecontactbreaking mechanism the storage batteries should make a closedcircuit, their current flowing from contact w through the plate q andswitch-arm O to the shaft 7', (see the dot the storage-batteries Pthrough the tube 25, the contact-screw u of the gas-switch, through themercury of the gas-switch to the pole o, and from there to thecontact-10 and following the same way through the storage-bat teries P P&-c., and so all around. The dotted lines in the drawings show how thecontact between the plate q and switcharm O is broken, thus breaking thecontact be tween u" and P Two contacts are always broken, as shown,between 20 and P and between to and P to prevent dangerous sparking.

*ith each contact u is connected electrically a valve, 30, by a wirerunning from the said contact to the binding-screw r. Each valve isprovided with a basepiece, in which are inserted tubes 25 26, ofinsulating material, and in the base-piece is formed apassage connectingthe two tubes. To the top of the tube 25 is fitted a cap, 27,in which isinserted a screw, u, and also a pipe, i, communicating with the interiorof the tube, and in that side of each valve which adjoins the central.part of the device is formed a valve-seat, to which is fitted a valve,TV, the said valve XV being connected with the spring-lever XV,pivotally supported by the arm 28, the lower end of the lever XV beingprovided with a convex wearing-plate, .V, of insulating material, whichis engaged by the curved end U of the arm Q. The lever V is pressed by aspring, 29, which tends to open the valve VJ. The tube 26 is providedwith a cap, 31, to which is fitted a screw, 0:, extending downward inthe insulat ing-tube'26. The lower part of each tube 25 26 and thepassage communicating between the two tubes is lilled with a body,X, ofmercur y. Th 3 space over the mercury in the tube 26 contains air undersufiicient pressure to press the mercury out of contact with the screw00 antl to cause it to make contact with the screw u. The base in whichthe tubes 25 26 are inserted being of conducting material, the currentcan pass from the binding-screw '0 to the mercury. The space above themerpipe, 25, with the storage-batteries connected with the same contact,20, that communicates with the valve 30.

In the branch Z of the auxiliary main circuit (shown in Figs. 2 and 13)is connected a sounder, 24 which indicates when a set ofstorage-batteries have received their maximum charge, showing at thesame time which set is charged by displaying a number. A side elevationof the sounder is shown in Fig. 18. \Vhen a current flows through thecoils 249, the armature a is attracted by the cores 1) of theelectro-magnet, and the hammer c strikes the bell d, and the arm 0 ofthe anchor E pushes the scape-wheel A forward one tooth. To thescape-Wheel A is attached the plate B, having as manyfigures as thereare sets of storage-batteries, the number of figures also correspondingwith the number of teeth of the scape-wheel. When the current ceases toflow through the the coil 249, the spring f returns the armature andbell-hammer to strike the bell on its backstroke, and the anchor movesthe scape-wheel another notch, bringing another figure into view. Thethrow of the hammer and armature are regulated by the screws h M.

Surrounding the distributing apparatus is a series of storage-batteries,P to P inclusive. (See Figs. 1 and 2.) The current ar rives at thedistributer through the conductor 24, which communicates with the arm.Q, and the current passes from the arm Q to the contact to, thence tothe bindingscrew '2; of the valve 30, thence through the mercury, X, tothe screw it, and through the pipe tto the storage-battery P, which mayconsist of a number of cells, thence through the shaft '1", through theswitchlever 0, through the contact-plate q and contact to to the leverN, thence by the conductor 2r back to the generator. The solenoid 1 isplaced in the shunt .2 between the frame Q and the main conductor 24:. When the storage-battery P becomes charged, it begins to give off gas,which passes through the pipetand presses upon the surface of themercury, X, in the tube 25, causing it to recede from the point of thecontact-screw u and make contact with the screw as. (See also Fig. lat.)By this means the current is switched out of the battery-circuit andinto the circuit of the solenoid 1 the current passing from thebinding-screw U through the mercury, X, contact-screw ac, bindingpost y,and frame Q partly to the terminal 16 of the solenoid 1 when thearmature K of the solenoid begins immediately to vibrate and tuin theshaft M so as to cause the arm Q to pass on to the next contact to, andat the same time to close the next valve, W, in order by the engagementof the wearingplate V with the curved end U of the arm (See also Fig.12.) After passing the valve 30, belonging to the storage battery firstcharged, the curved end U of the arm Q. passes Lil the wearing-plate Vof the spring \V and allows the valve connected therewith to open,allowing the gas to escape, thus permitting the mercury to return to itsnormal ducting material and having curved surface, which sector slidesover the contactsprings O and raises them from the contacts g 20 inalternation.

position in contact with the screw u' also one of the contact-s nines Othe said S)ll1l J l t to during the operation of the solenoid I acurrent will pass through the sounder 2 in Figs. 1 2 and 13, and anumber is indicated showing which set of storage-batteries is charged.So 3 long as the current in the main circuit is nor- 1 mal, or the speedof the motor is normal, the

current arrives at the distributerthrough the conductor 24, whichcommunicates with the Q to the contact u, thence to the arm N, andthrough the conductor it back. to the generator.

So long as the current in the main circuit is above the normal the rod ain the controller shown in Figs. 1 and 0 remains in After the sector Rpasses O returns to its normal position and touches the contact 1r. Thusthe secondary batteries are prevented from being short-circuited orhaving the circuit closed within themselves.

In Fig. '3 is shown an arrangement in which Y represents the source ofelectricity; 22, the

current-controller; 23, the switch actuating and distributing mechanismand the of arm Q, and the current passes from the arm storage-batteries.Zistheclcctricmotor. 20

p is the regulator, with the sounder 2t" omitted, and 21 represents aseries of lamps.

contact with the screw 0, and so long as the speed of the motor is sohigh as to cause the mercury, F, contained in the regulator shown inFigs. 2 and T to make contactwith the ring Hthe current flows throughthe solenoid I, and the vibratory motion of the armature K lVhen it isdesired to charge stora e-bate teries only, the controller shown inFigs. 1 and 9 is substituted for the centrifugal regulator, and in Fig.2, at the left hand, is shown the device for this purpose. The currententers into the regulator by the conductor 2; to the arm Q, flows in themanner formerly described through the sets of storage-batteries P and Pupon the arm N, and from the arm of the said solenoid causes the shaft Mto revolve in the manner already described, conless than normal, itcauses the mercury, F, contained in the regulator to make contact X backto the dynamo Y, while the cont-roller B and the switch-actuating device(indicated by I I) regulate the number of batteries changed, and thevalve 30 and switch-actuating mechanism (indicated by disconnect mumcharge from the circuit.

the batteries which have received their maxi- The sounder 21L" thenindicates alternately which set of i storage-batteries is fully charged.Then the At the left hand of the same figure is shown how the sets ofbatteries P P P, and P help the J dynamo to run the motor Z. The lamps21 are the speed of the motor is reduced so that it is shutin thecircuit. Said lamps offering less resistance than the motor Z, they willabsorb with the screw F, and when the current falls below the normal,the armature A in the circuit-controller being released, the spring Bcarries the armature forward, so that the rod 1) makes contact with thescrew d, and the current flows through the solenoid I, when the armatureof the said solenoid, by engagement with the roller L 011 the shaft M,causcs the arm N to move in a reverse direction, and thestorage-batteries are shut out. If, then, the arm continues its motion,the position of the arms N Q relative to each other is shifted, and thecurrent flows in the opposite direction, as indicated at the left ofFig. 2, which coincides with the direction of the current of thestorage-batteries, thus assisting the main current in doing its work. Inthis manner the current is diverted into the secondary batteries, I P&c., and a larger or smaller number of batteries are switched in,depending on the requirements of the circuit, as indicated by thecontroller B and the regulator 0. (Shown in Fig.

In the modified form of the circuit-breaking mechanism shown in Figs.16, 17, and 19 1 P are left out.

the arm N carries a sector, R, of non-conthe largest portion of thecurrent of the generator Y. This arrangement also demonstrates how theaccumulators are able to maintain an equal light in the lamps 1 when thedynamo slows down and comes at last to a stop. \Vhen storage-batteriesor any other batteries constitute the source of electricity and thenumber switched into the circuit requires to be controlled, thearrangement shown in Fig. 3 is used. The solenoid I the shaft M thepinion Q, the bevel-wheel N the arm N, the shaft N and its frame, thegas-switches, the sounder 2t, and the contactbreaking mechanism can bedispensed with. The pinion N engages the bevel-wheel Q and thecentrifugal regulator shown in Figs. 1 and 7 or the current-controllershown in Figs. 1 and 9 can be used. The cells P P, &c., are directlyconnected with the contacts 20, and to prevent shortcircuiting the cellsThe conductor H is connected with the contact u", and the conductor 2iis connected with the arm Q. IVhen more cells are wanted in the circuit,the arm Q is moved forward by the operation of the armature K of thesolenoid I, and successively the cells P P, the, are shut into thecircuit.

IIO

hen the armature Kin the solenoid I vibrates, the arm Q moves back andthe cells are successively shut out.

\Vhen it is desired during the charging of storage-battcries to beinformed when they have received their maximum charge, the sounder and aresistance-coil can be used in combination with the gas-switch, in whichfor that purpose'the valve \V and the spring W are not pivoted on theirsupport 28, and the valve \V operates as a safety-valve. Thismodification is shown in Figs. l and 5. The current passes from theelectrical source to the pole r, through the mercury, X, the screw it,and the tube 2 to the storage-batteries, and from these back to theelectrical source, and when the storage-batteries have received theirmaximum charge the connection with the screw it is broken and theconnection is'made with the screw a1, and the current flows from itssource to the pole 1-, through the mercury, X, the screw as, thesounder, and the resistance-coil, and back to the electrical source.

The advantages of my improvement are that, in switching-in resistance,consisting of storage-batteries for the controlling of the current inthe main circuit, I am enabled to conserve the current for future use toassist the main current, or for use independently of the main current.

My improvement finds one of its principal applications in electricsystems where electric power is distributed during the day and electriclighting is effected in the evening by the same generator or by the samecircuit. By controlling the current during the day by the use of thestorage-batteries I am enabled during the interval between the earlyhours of evening and the closing hours of work to supplysufficientcurrentto the main circuit to supplement the current from thedynamos on the circuit, so as to maintain a practically uniform current,although lights and motors may be running at the same time; and when theevening advances the electric plant gradually acquires more energy thanis utilized in producing the light, and this surplus of energy with mysystem can be used for charging storage-batteries for independentpurposes-for example, for propelling street-cars.

In addition to the uniform flow of current se- 1 cured by myimprovement, I effect a more thorough and equal regulation of the motor,and I avoid overstraining the dynamo by fre quent and great fluctuationsin the current. Another advantage is that. I supplement the current fromthe dynamos at the place where the current is most needed. My improvedgoverning device switches into the circuit the exact number ofstoragebatteries required to assist the main current or to do the workdone by the main current. Another advantage is that I waste no currentwhat-ever for governing purposes, and I bring the use of the current tothe highest point of economy, enabling me to gain so much that I am ableto compete successfully in the generation and distribution of power withsmall steam-engines say from one to ten horse-power.

\Vhen my governing apparatus is applied to the charging ofstorage-batteries only, I secure the following advantages: first, theavoidance of overclmrging the batteries and wasting energy; second, theavoidance of the batteries overpowering the generator and changing thepolarity of the generator; third, avoiding the burning of the armatureof the generator-by short-ci rcuiti ng, and, fourth, that the apparatusindicates that the storage-batteries are charged.

\Vhen my governing apparatus is applied in those cases where batteriesconstitute the source of electricity, I secure the advantage of wastingno energy. By my improved gasswitch the storage batteries are not overcharged, and theapparatus informs the at tendant when the batteries havereceived their maximum charge.

Having thus-described my invention, I claim as n ew'and desire to secureby Letters Patent- -1. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors,the combination of the following elements, viz: a controller actuated bya current derived from the main circuit and adapted to complete anothercircuit when the main current is too weak or too strong, mechanismgoverned by the controller for operating the switches, and aseries ofstorage-batteries arranged to receive the current of the main circuitthrough the switclroperatin g mechanism when the main current is toostrong and to deliver a current from the storage-battelies to the maincircuit when the main current is too weak, substantially as specified.

2. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination ofthe following elements, viz: a centrifugal regulator connected with themotor driven by a current derived from the main circuit and adapted tocomplete another circuit when the main current is too weak or toostrong, mechanism governed by the regulator for operating the switch-es,and a series of storage-batteries arranged to receive the current of themain circuit through the switch-operatin g mechanism when the maincurrent is too strong and to 5 deliver a current from thestorage-batteries to the main circuit when the main current is too weak,substantially as specified.

3. In 'a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination ofthe following elements, viz: a controller actuated by a current derivedfrom the main circuit, and a centrifugal governor connected with themotor driven by the main current, and both adapted to complete anothercircuit when the main current is too weak or too strong, mechanismgoverned by the controller for operating the switches, a second set ofswitches, mechanism governed by the centrifugal regulator for operatingthe second set of switches, and a series of storage-batteries arrangedto receive l l l the current of the main circuit through the switchingmechanism when the main current is too strong and to deliver a currentfrom the storage-batteries to the main circuit when the main current istoo weak, substantially as specified.

I. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination ofthe following elei ments, viz: a controller actuated by a currentderived from themain circuit and adapted to complete another circuitwhen the main current is too weak or too strong, switch-actuatingmechanism governed by the controller, switches operated by theswitch-actuating i mechanism, switches operated by gas, a T sounderadapted to indicate that the storage batteries are charged, and a seriesof storagebatteries arranged to receive the current of the main circuitthrough the switching mechi anism when the main current is too strongand to deliver a current from the storage-bai teries to the main circuitwhen the main current is too weak, substantially as specified.

5. In a regulator fordy'uamos and electric motors, the combination ofthe following element, vizz a centrifugal regulator actuated by l amotor driven by the main current and adapted to complete another circuitwhen the 1 main current is too weak or too strong, switchactuatingmechanism governed by the regulator, switches operated by theswitch-actuating mechanism, switches operated by gas, and a series ofstorage-batteries arranged 'to receive the current of the main circuitthrough the switching mechanism when the main current is too strong andto deliver a current from the storage-batteries to the main circuit whenthe main current is too weak, substantially as described.

(3. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination of acontroller -actuj ated by a current derived from the main circuit, acentrifugal regulator driven by a m otor operated by the main current,the controller and regulatorboth being adapted to complete othercircuits when the main current is too weak or too strong,switch-actuatin g mcchanism governed by the controller andswitchactuating mechanism governed by the regu later, switches operatedby the switch-actuating mechanism, switches operated by gas, a sounderarranged to be operated when the storage-batteries are charged, and aseries of storage-batteries arranged to receive the current of the maincircuit through the switching l mechanism when the main current is toostrong and to deliver a current from the storage-lnittcries to the maincircuitwhen the main current is too weak, substantially as described.

7/ In acurreirtregulator, the combination of the following elements,viz: a controller actuated by a current derived from the main circuitand adapted to complete another circuit when the main current is tooweak or too i strong, switch-actuating mechanism governed by thecontroller, switches operated by the l switch-actuating mechanism, aseries of storl age-batteries arranged to receive the current l T of themain circuit through the switching i mechanism, so as to makeequilibrium between the main or charging current and the current. of thestoragc-liattcries, gas-actuated switches arranged to cut out of themain circuit the storage-lnitteries which have received their maximumcharge, and sounder for indicating that a storage-battery or set ofstorage -batteries has received its maximum charge, substantially asdescribed.

8. In a current-regulating systennthe combination of the followingelements, viz: ascrics of storage-hatteries arranged to receive achargirig-current, a gas-actuated switch operated by the batteries, anda sounder operjat'ed from the said switch and indicating when thebatteries have received their maximum charge, substantially asdescribed.

0. In a enrrent-rcgulator, the combination of a controller actuated by acurrent derived from the main circuit and adapted to complete anothercircuit when the main current too weak or too strong, switell-actuatingmechanism governed by the controller, a switch operated by theswitch-actuatin g mechanism, and a series of cells arranged to send Itheir current into the main circuit, the whole being constructed toswitch into the main circuit the number of cells corresponding to thework to be done, substantially as described.

10. I11 a current-regulating system, the combination of a centrifugalregulator operated by a motor driven by the main circuit and 1 adaptedto complete another circuit when the main current is too weak or toostrong.

switch-actuating mechanism governed by the centrifugal regulator, aswitch operated by the switch-actuating mechanism, and a series of cellsarranged to send their current into the main circuit,the device beingconstructed 1 to switch into the main circuit a number of cellscorresponding to the work to be done, substantially as descriliicd.

11. In a currciit-rcgulating system. a controller formed of the solenoidl3, provided with the tubular core I), the a rinature A, placed in thetubular core and provided with cont actpoints (I Z), the spring I5arranged to oppose the action of the solenoid on the armature, and thecontact-points r' 17, substantially as described.

11; In a enrrent-rcgulat ing system, the combination, withcircuit-controlling and switch ing mechanism, of, one or more solenoids,I. each provided with a switching mechanism, a core, If, a roller, Ii,ol magnetic material. adapted to be niagnetiziul by induetimi from thecore K and to be turned by the longitudinal movement ol the said core.and means, substantially as herein described, for shifting 5 the currentpassing through the solenoids, so

switch-arm, Q, moving periodically in one direction over the saidcontacts, substantially as described.

14. In a current-regulating system, the combination of a series ofcontacts, 2r, arranged in a circle, and the switch-arms N Q, movingindependently of each other over the contacts, the arm Q movingperiodically in one direction and the arm N in both directions,substantially as described.

15. In a current-regulating system, the combination of a series ofcontacts, at, contactsprings engaging said contacts, and the sector R,sliding over the said contact-springs to break the contact between thesaid springs and contacts 20, substantially as described.

1 6. In a current-regulating system, the combination of a series ofcontacts, 10, arranged in a circle, the contact-springs 0 theautomatically-operated switch-arm N, moving over said contacts, and thesector R, carried by the said switch-arm and sliding over the springs tobreak the contact between the said springs and the contacts 21;,substantially as described.

17. I11 a on rrent-regulatin g system, the combination, with astorage-battery an d conductors carrying the charging-current, of aswitch formed of the communicating tubes 25 26, of insulating material,the mercury, X, contain ed by the tubes, the contact-screws u m,entering the tubes, and the pipe i, communicating with thestorage-battery and adapted to convey gas to the tube 25, the tube 26being filled with air under pressure, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

18. The combination,with the communicating tubes 25 26, thecontact-points a a:, inserted therein, and the pipe t, communicatingwith the tube 25, of the valve lV, supported on a spring-arm and adaptedto shut the gas in the tube 2), and the arm Q, provided with the curvedend II, adapted to hold the valve \V closed, substantially as described.

19. The combination, with the communicating tubes 25 26, thecontact-points u tr, in-

serted therein, and the pipe 15, communicating with the tube 25, of thevalve closed by a spring-arm, V, the said spring-arm being adapted tooperate the valve W as a safetyvalve for the relief of pressure withinthe tube 25, substantially as described.

20. The combination, in a current-regulating system, of a series ofstorage-batteries and mechanism, substantially as specified, forswitching the storage-batteries into the main circuit for charging andswitching the storage-batteries out of the main circuit aftercl'larging, and a sounder to indicate when and which set ofstorage-batteries are charged, substantially as described.

21. In a current-regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, thecombination of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts to,the arms N Q, adapted to 0011- vey the current to different contacts,the sector R,springs 0 the storage-batteries P P, &c., the valves 30,the bevel-wheels Q N the bevel-pinions Q N engaging the saidbevelwheels, the shafts M M provided with rollers L L, the centrifugalregulator connected with the motor driven by the main current, and theelectrical connections, substantially as described.

22. In a current-regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, thecombination of the distributing mechanism provided with I the contactsto, the arms i Q, adapted to convey the current to different contacts,the sector R, springs 0 the storagebatteries P P &c., the valves 30, thebevel-wheels Q N the bevel-pinions Q3 N engaging the said bevelwheels,the shafts M M provided with the rollers L L, the cont-roller operated.by a current derived from the main circuit, and the electricalconnections, substantially as specified.

23. In a currcnt-regulating system, the combination of a series ofstorage -batteries, switches actuated by a current (h rived from themain circuit, switches actuated by gas developed in thestorage-batteries which. have reached their maximum charge, and asounder for indicating that the storage-batteries have received theirmaximum charging, substantially as described.

24. In a current-regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, thecombination of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts to,the arms N Q, adapted to convey the current to different contacts, thesector R and contact-springs 0 the storagebatteries P P &c., the valves30, the bevelwheels Q N the bevel-pinions Q N engaging the saidbevel-wheels, the shafts M M provided with the rollers L L, the solenoid1 with switching mechanism and armature K, connected with the roller L,the solenoidsII,

with switching mechanism and armatures K,-

connected with the rollers L L, the controller actuated bya current detived from the main circuit, the sounder, and the electrical connections,substantially as described.

25. In a current-regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, thecombination of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts 20,the arms N Q, adapted to convey the current. to different contacts, thesector R and contact-springs 0 the storage-batteries P P, &c., the valve30, the bevel-wheels Q N the bevel-pinions Q N engaging the saidbevel-wheels, the shafts M M provided wit-h the rollers L L, thesolenoid 1 with switching mechanism and armature K, connected with theroller L, the solenoids I I, with switching mechanisms and armatures K,connected with the rollers L L, the centrifugal regulator connected withthe motor driven by the main current, and the electrical connections,substantially as described.

26. In a current-regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, thecombination of distributing mechanism provided with the IIO contacts ur,the arms X Q, adapted to convey i the current to ditferentcontacts, thesector R and contact-springs 0 the storage-batteries i P P, &c., thevalves 30, the bevel-wheels Q I N the bevel-pinions Q N engaging thesaid i bevel-wheels, the shafts M M provided with the rollers L L, thesolenoids 1 with switching mechanisms and armatures K, connected withthe rollers L, the solenoids I I, with switching mechanisms andarmatures K, connected with the rollers L L, the centrifugal regulatorconnected with the motor driven by the main current, the controlleractuated by 1 a current derived from the main circuit, the sounder, andthe electrical connections, subi stantially as described.

27. In a current-regulating system, the conr bination of thedistributing mechanism provided with the contacts '20, the arm Q,adapted to convey the current to different contacts, the cells P P &c,the bevel-wheel Q, the bevel-pinion N en gaging the said bevel-wheel,the shaft M, provided with the rollers L L, the solenoids I I, Withswitching mechanisms and armatures K, connected with the rollers L L,the controller actuated by a current derived from the circuit of thecells, and the electrical connections, substantially as described.

28. In a current-regulating system, the com bination of the distributingmechanism provided with the contactsw, the arm Q, adapted to convey thecurrent to different contacts,

the cells P P, &c., the bevel-wheel Q the bevel pinion N engaging thesaid bevelwheel, the shaft M, provided with the rollers L L, thesolenoids I I, with switching mechanisms and armatures K, connected withthe 1 rollers L L, the centrifugal regulator connected with the motordriven by the current of the said storage-batteries, and the electricalconnections, substantially as described.

29. In a current-regulating system, a cen- I trit'ugal regulator formedof the spindle D, l the head E, the ring E, of insulating material,attached to the head, the ring H, of con ducting material, carried bythe ring E, the

ring H, of insulating material, carried by the ring H, the cap G, ofconducting material, the contact-screw F, inserted in the cap l G thebody F, of mercury, contained by the receptacle, and the contact-brushesi Z, touching the ring H and cap G, substantially as specified.

30. In a current-regulator, the combination, with the contact-screw Fand the body, F, of mercury inclosed in the receptacle C, of a fillingof mercurial vapor contained by the chamber C above the mercury for theprevention of sparking between the contactscrew F and the mercury, F,substantially as specified.

JOSEPH \V. BALET.

"Witnesses:

EDGAR TATE, Enwn. M. CLARK.

Lil

